German WW1 1918 Imperial German Air Service Issue Flying Helmet.

German WW1 1918 Imperial German Air Service Issue Flying Helmet.

A good rare example, of the issue pattern worn by pilots and observers of the Imperial German Air Service during the Great War.
Black leather skull with protective comb running from front to back across the crown, with similar band around the edge.  Complete with fold down neck flap (faint dated 1918) with integral earpieces and chin strap.  Liner present but fragile to parts, wear to the rear flap, this with faint 1918 issue stamp.
Looking at the helmet front closely I can just see where some holes have possibly been filled, this would indicate the helmet was possibly later re-issued as a NSKK first pattern helmet. This was a common practice utilising available surplus stocks.